Written by Chida Warren-Darby Special to the NNPA from the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Businesswoman Continues to Meet Needs of Black Girls Through Doll Line with New Chocolate Skin Addition

CEO of World of EPI, Dr. Lisa Williams, recently announced the new addition of DIVAH Taylor to the Positively Perfect doll family.Launched a few years ago, Positively Perfect Dolls were created to reflect the beauty and diversity of African American girls.“Just like a new parent I’m beaming over our new chocolate skin toned Divah Taylor,” exclaimed Dr. Lisa.“She joins butter cream Abrielle, caramel toned Zair and Diana. Each doll is created from blended colors,” she explained, and is adamant about the fact that these custom skin tones will not be found on any other dolls.

In a time when some African American girls and women, are still struggling with being accepted because of their skin tone, Dr. Lisa is creating a platform that reinforces that Black is beautiful. “I want our beautiful chocolate skinned little girls to see just how gorgeous their skin is when they play with Divah Taylor.”The DIVAH Collection, which stands for Dignified, Intelligent, Vivacious, Attractive, Humanitarian, represents just a fragment of the dolls offered through the company.

“The concept for this new line started with my desire to target girls in a slightly older age group,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO. “I wanted young ladies to know that they are Dignified, Intelligent, Vivacious, Attractive and Humanitarians—and the Divah Collection materialized.” Divah’s radiate confidence and beauty. As the Positively Perfect Jingle says, “We are smart and pretty, too. We are positively perfect in all we do.” When they walk into a room all heads turn, because of their outer beauty and inner grace. Diana loves to write, Abrielle is a dancer, Zair is an artist and Taylor is an athelete. All are straight “A” students.

Dr. Lisa is a mom and former professor, and has always wanted to inspire the best in young people.In 2003, the World of Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration (World of EPI) was formed with the mission of expressing joy by providing children access to dolls that encourage dreams, promote intelligence, challenge perceptions, and open their hearts to all types of beauty. The dolls on shelves are result of generations of parents, grandparents, and friends wanting to provide positive play for children. Motivated by their dreams and from Dr. Lisa’s heart, Positively Perfect dolls were born. “When you take a doll, home to the amazing child in your life, present it to them with a loving kiss.In turn, I hope each doll gets tons of hugs and kisses, too,” says Dr. Lisa.

Currently she serves on the Walmart Women Owned Business Executive Committee to advise Walmart on how to support and partner with more women businesses.She was also invited by State of California politicians to participate in a delegation of politicians and business executives traveling to China in the fall, and she serves on the Tuskegee Supply Chain Forum Board to help educate and inform middle school children about business and supply chain management.

Recently,Dr. Lisa was awarded Walmart’s highest honor as a Visionary Awards recipient.Established in January 2006, the Visionary Awards were created to acknowledge individuals, organizations and businesses that champion diversity and inclusion.Each year a panel of judges selects the top nominee based on specific criteria in three categories.These categories include:Walmart Business Unit, Walmart Supplier and Individual or Community-Based Organization (local to NWA). The criteria by which the recipients are selected includes, but is not limited to: how the person or organization embraced the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., how the person or organization has created an environment where all people have equal access and opportunities in the workplace, community and world, and how the person or organization worked to create a sustainable environment throughout the workplace, community or eco-friendly environment where others can learn from their teachings to spur positive change and leave a lasting impact. Dr. Lisa met the criteria.

You can catch Dr. Lisa and her Positively Perfect dolls at speaking on the main stage at Essence Festival which will take place from July 4th through the 7th in New Orleans, she will also be showcasing the Positively Perfect dolls, including Divah Taylor, at the Walmart Booth.For more information on Dr. Lisa, her dolls, and appearances, visit www.worldofepi.com.